Miter marathon

Porch revamp renews structure with style

The first build of the season was a doozy! Every single topside board of this porch required at least one mitered end, which of course can be extremely time-consuming. The homeowners had always loved their porch, and simply wanted . . .

Posted: 2023-06-10

Charm and class in Grande Pointe Meadows

Country style meets modern needs

There are times when a home builder draws you in with a design theme on a show home’s exterior — and then, for some inexplicable reason, doesn’t carry it inside. In the case of 408 Grande Pointe Meadows Blvd. — . . .

Posted: 2023-06-10

Private and practical in St. Andrews

Live and work in this well-appointed rural retreat

If there’s one thing that a contractor, handyman or mechanic needs, it’s space to spread out to do their work without feeling hemmed in. Unfortunately, there aren’t many areas in the city where you can find an acreage with a . . .

Posted: 2023-06-10

Stewardship of land and water

Permaculture informs this dynamic duo’s approach

Paul Kruse and Heather Unger own Northern Grove which specializes in holistic tree services and permaculture design-consultation. But that barely scratches the surface of what this dynamic duo are all about. They are passionate about ecological restoration and regenerative . . .

Posted: 2023-06-03

The waiting is the hardest part

Dream kitchen finally comes to fruition

Raising three daughters while both parents are working full-time jobs doesn’t allow for much free time — life was and is busy. Preparing breakfasts, lunches, and suppers would sometimes become overwhelming, especially if the kitchen wasn’t all that it . . .

Posted: 2023-06-03

Designed to dazzle in Oak Bluff West

Large two-storey loaded with flair and function

Ask any builder, and they’ll tell you that building a luxury home is an exercise in maintaining discipline. The reason for the need to stay on the straight and narrow is simple: if they give into the desire to create . . .

Posted: 2023-06-03

Classy and contemporary in River Heights

Spacious bungalow bright and beautiful

From the outside, 668 Brock St. looks like a typical River Heights-area bungalow — with one exception. Take a close look at the home — a cursory glance won’t do the trick as you walk or drive by the 1, . . .

Posted: 2023-06-03

Make your garden a carbon sink instead of source of emissions

These climate-wise actions will reduce your yard’s carbon footprint

There is a huge opportunity in our own landscapes to reduce carbon emissions. With global temperatures expected to soar in the next five years, fuelled in part by heat-trapping greenhouse gases, according to a recent update issued by the . . .

Posted: 2023-05-27

Future of widespread home inspections uncertain

Question: In the current real estate market conditions are pre-purchase home inspections being included in most offers to purchase, or are they still being left out to make offers more attractive to sellers? John Q. Public Answer: Home inspections are . . .

Posted: 2023-05-27

Just lounging around

Deck chairs get new lease on life

While addressing the numerous lumber orders and deliveries for impending summer build projects over the course of the next few months, there are a few lingering tasks on my property that also require my attention. And although a few . . .

Posted: 2023-05-27